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CA Antivirus and Security Suite is one of the up and coming personal and business computer software systems. You may choose from a full suite of services or individual services. Free trial products include scans and antivirus protection. Read more for prices, information and a review of this reasonable priced and very effective antivirus system.

Computers don't have a warm and fuzzy feel. It's not like they are a treasure chest or sentimental hatbox full of mementos tied up in ribbons? Or are they? When computers hold not only your needed documents but also favorite documents, photographs and music, owners have good reason to hold their computers close to their hearts. Viruses, worms and Trojans threatened to damage or destroy not only your life's work but also your life's treasures.

There's not just the precious to consider of course. The seemingly mundane, but personal information on your computer puts you at risk for the heartbreak of identity theft.

CA security products have really been moving up in ratings.

New features of CA Anti-Virus 2008:

*Automatic live updating
* Automatic file scanning
* Automatic e-mail scanning
* Scheduled hard drive scanning
* On-demand hard drive scanning
* Archive scanning
* Interactive virus detection messages
* Threat outbreak warning system
* File exclusion lists & file quarantine

The 2008 reviewers were happy with the new features of CA Anti-Virus 2008. They describe it as "very user friendly" and go on to say that "...CA seems to be scanning faster with this year's version of the product."

CA Anti-Virus 2008 has earned a B+ rating.

What would improve the rating?

"We would like to see improvement in CA's customer support. Such an improvement would enhance our overall rating. With that said, we still consider CA anti-virus software a wonderful virus protection product and deserving of a B+ Rating."

CA Anti Virus 2008 is available for $39.99 a year for the first year and renewals are just $29.99 annually.

Remember Anti-Virus protection protects your computer from threats but anti-virus protection does not protect the PC users from the spyware and the threats of identity theft.

CA also offers AC Anti-Spyware 2008. AC offers a free downloadable version that will detect but not delete spyware threats. It can be a helpful, free tool to find out how many spyware threats have targeted you. If you need one, AC Anti-Spyware 2008 is available for $39.99 a year and protects up to three PCs.

Features of AC Anti-Spyware 2008:

* Detects and removes spyware in real time
* Automatic updates
* Stop Annoying Adware Pop-Ups
* Helps prevent theft of personal data
* Improves PC performance

For those of you who want to protect the confidential as well as the sentimental, you may want to consider a security suite that offers comprehensive coverage in a single protection product, which makes suites a money saver all around.

However, memory is a consideration with security suites. If your PC has less than 1 gigabyte of memory, a security suite may slow down your computer.

CA offers a security suite CA Security Suite Plus for $69.99 that covers three computers and includes anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-phishing to further protect you from the risks of identity theft.

Features of the CA Security Suite Plus:

* Anti-Virus
* Anti-Spyware
* Personal Firewall
* Anti-Spam
* Anti-Phishing
* Parental Controls
* Data Backup

Taking an inventory of what you have in your PC is important. Are there not only necessary but personally important documents, photos or music stored on your PC? How much time do you spend on the computer? How often do you type in important personal information? Being aware of how you use your computer, whether it is a holder of hobbies, a personal treasure trove or survival pack can help you decide what types of protection you need. Think carefully about what you do and have on your computer because you can be sure that keyloggers, phishers and those who want to make you a victim of identity theft will know if you are not protecting yourself and your treasures.

The Better Business Bureau is targeted in a more sophisticated form of "phishing" scam. FInd out more about this type of opportunity for identity theft and what you can do about it.

Want to know if the lawyer you're considering has a good track record of honest representation? Who would you turn to? Other than personal referrals you might want to check with the Better Business Bureau in your area.

On the other hand, need to make a complaint about a dry wall contractor that left you, but not your walls, high and dry? The Better Business Bureau is the appropriate place to file a complaint that can save others this aggravation.

The Better Business Bureau has a long history of helping consumers. They've earned public trust and that is just why the Better Business Bureau is such an attractive bait for spear phishing scams.

What is spear phishing?

The term phishing was coined described e-mail scams where identity thieves were "fishing" for personal information like names, addresses, birthdates, social security numbers or account numbers. As opposed to the sport where one casts out bait to see what they can catch, spear fishing is sport where a specific fish is targeted for spearing. E-mil spear phishing is a scam that sends out mass phishing e-mails that target a small group of people, such as corporate executives.

The first waves of phishing scams were "too good to be true" types of scams in which lucky you, of all people, had been chosen to help move money and would be rewarded a great share. Then savvy identity thieves moved on to "too scary to ignore" scams such as your bank, e-bay or PayPal account has been compromised so just enter your name and passwords here so we can protect you.

According to Art Manion, a top vulnerability analyst for CERT, an internet emergency response group based at Carnegie Mellon University, scammers tactics are improving. Manion says "Today, the e-mail looks like it's from my bank or my company, with better grammar, more believable stories, and better URLs."

One of the latest scams used the Better Business Bureau to target to corporate executives. The mass spear phishing e-mails arrive saying they are from an address @idtheft.bbbb.org or consumer-complaints@bbb.org or fraud@bbb.org, none of which are Better Business Bureau addresses or even legit e-mail addresses. There are a long list of these fake addresses that have been used. Even as the Better Business Bureau spear phishing scams were being reported, identity thieves simple continued e-mailing using different addresses.

The messages begin with a variation similar to this message:

"This is an automated email that confirms the registration of your complaint case number: [CASE NUMBER] filed by (your company) on (date) concerning Online Identity Theft. The Better Business Bureau does not resolve individual problems but your complaints help us to investigate fraud and can lead to law enforcement action." This message is followed by clickable links, attachments and request for information verification.

As with any suspicious e-mail, and remember how often they don't look suspicious, do not open attachments which can be infected with viruses or click on any links which can take you to unsafe web sites. Do not supply any information or even respond to the e-mail because it confirms whom they have reached.

What you can do:

*Copy the internet header and forward to phishing@cbbb.bbb.org, which will reach the Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.

*Don't assume that "they already know about it so they don't need to hear from me." Addresses and messages constantly change so each one is important.

*Not only does reporting spear phishing scams stop current scams and protect others, reporting them also helps programmers improve security programs to prevent future spear phishing attacks.

Joe Stewart of SecureWorks, has learned of a Chinese connection in both the IRS scams and the BBB scams. Stewart explains: "Typically when we see malware from China, it has one of two purposes - to either steam documents related to trade secrets of companies and military/government institutions, or to steal accounts from online role-playing games. This new scam doesn't seem to fit into either category, so it may represent the emergence of a new kind of Chinese-based cybercrime. The question is then, just what do Chinese malware authors intend to do with the vast amount of data they've stolen from over a thousand U.S. corporate executives?"

Being a personal or corporate victim of spear phishing is no day at the beach. Spear phishing identity thieves are using attractive bait so beware of the hook and don't get reeled in to participating in scams.

Check Point is the latest in antivirus protection that is efficient, inexpensive, easy to use and rates highly with Consumer Reports. Read more to learn how this anti virus suite including antispywyare, rootkit detection, and firewall protection, can protect your computer, your information and maybe even your identity.

Imagine you're out and about for hours on a sunny afternoon, with no sunscreen and no hat. With long term exposure and no protection, you're going to get burned. The same rings true for high computer use without protection from the threats of viruses and identity thieves. Security software should protect both you and your computer. Your computer needs protection from viruses that can damage files but you need protection from spyware and hackers to prevent identity theft and damage to your credit. Being without a functional computer can be a real pain but having dysfunctional credit and illegitimate bills from identity theft can be a disaster.

Fortune 100 companies, as well as tens of thousands of organizations and businesses in every size are using Check Point. Check Point Zone Alarm solutions protect millions of PC users from spyware, hackers and identity theft.

What does Consumer Reports have to say about Check Point Zone Alarm Antivirus?

"Check Point costs less, both to buy and to maintain, and excelled in its ability to detect actual viruses without mistakenly singling out benign material as virus laden."

Check Point Zone Alarm Antivirus was rated #2, with an overall 79 out of 100 points. Only 2 points less than the #1 rated Trend Micro.

Detection: Excellent
Features: Very good
Ease of Use: Very good
Scan Speed: Good

Features of Check Point Zone Alarm Antivirus:

*antispyware
*real time protection
*scan on demand
*scheduled scans
*IM scans
*the option to scan e-mail attachments
*rootkit detection
*firewall

Check Point is a great value at $30.00 and unlike many protection programs the annual renewal fee decreases to only $20.00. This covers one PC. Check Point Zone Alarm Antivirus offers a free trial version for download as well.

Security suites are a better option if you require more features, with the simplicity of a single program, or need to cover more than one PC.

Check Point also offers Zone Alarm Security Internet Security Suite 7.0.

What does Consumer Reports have to say about Check Point Zone Alarm Security Internet Suite 7.0?

According to Consumer Reports, "[Check Point's] anti-spam protection was first rate."

Again, Check Point Zone Alarm Security Internet Suite 7.0 was ranked second, with 75 out of a possible 100 points, right behind Trend Micro that scored 81 points.

Antivirus: Very good
Antispyware: Very good
Antispam: Excellent
Completeness: Very good

Features of Check Point Zone Alarm Security Internet Suite 7.0:

In addition to the features above, the security suite also offers,

*antispam
*ad/popup blocker
*child filter
*privacy protection

The Check Point Zone Alarm Security Internet Suite 7.0 is offered for $50.00 with only a $35.00 annual renewal fee.

At this time, it does not include anti-phishing features.
Check Point Zone Alarm Security Internet Suite 7.0 covers up to three computers.

Whether it is antivirus software or a security suite, protecting yourself from identity theft and protecting your computer from disabling threats is getting a bit easier and less expensive with competitive products like those from Check Point. Security protection is like a good sunscreen. The more time you spend in the sun, the more you need and the more time you spend on the computer, the more security protection you need. Don't get burned by identity theft.

These ten steps are somewhat "tongue in cheek" but even with the humor, each one of them easy to use tips to help you in creating a safer on line identity.

1. Get Turned On and Don't Forget to Update and Renew Basic Protections

Many operating systems have a firewall, spam blocker or built in security features but users need to make sure they are turned on. You'll also need to activate spam filters and security features provided by your ISP or e-mail account such as Yahoo, MSN or Google.

Spyware, spam and anti-virus programs should be updated regularly to target the latest threats. Use automated updates and renew whenever you are prompted to avoid a lapse in protection.

2. Shutting Down Your Computer Can Be a Real Turn Off for Identity Theft

Turning off your personal computer or at least disconnecting the internet access cable can reduce the risks of a malicious remote computer access and you'll save energy too.

3. Like Public Bathrooms, Public Computers Can Be Risky

If you use a public computer such as those at libraries, airports or hotels, don't make financial or personal transactions. These are not secure. Even if your are using your own computer on a public wireless network, make sure you only use secured Web pages for transactions. Just remember, "public access" can mean identity thieft access.

4. Downloads with Viruses and Spyware Can Really Get You Down

Free is so tempting and often games and utilities are useful and fun but many carry viruses and spyware. Only download from reputable sites. Tried and true, won't make you blue.

5. Security Suites Can Offer Some Sweet Protection from Identity Theft

Consider a security program such as McAfee, Norton or F-Secure. Prices for security suites range from around $30.00 to $70.00 a year. While you may be duplicating some of the free security features already on your computer, security suites offer more protection against identity theft. According to Consumer Reports testing, free programs are worth considering but "the best of the free security software available online didn't perform quite as well as the best for-pay programs, which offer the greatest margin of safety against any or all online threats."

6. Credit Cards of Virtual Account Numbers Can Virtually Save Your Credit

Credit cards generally offer better protection for consumers that shop online but even better many credit issuing companies now offer virtual account numbers that can be used for a fixed amount or single source shopping. These are randomly generated numbers that mean your real account numbers are never put online.

7. Spelling Errors Can Cause More Than Embarrassment- They Can Cause Embezzlement

Typers should be ware because identity thieves often set up look-alike sites based on common misspellings of commonly used URLs. Your typing error can take you on a risky detour that can be a dead end for your credit.

8. Consider Disposable E-mail Accounts to Trash Spammers

You'll always want to safely guard your original e-mail address from your ISP because you can't change that one without terminating your account. However many providers offer additional or associate e-mail addresses that can be changed as desired. Consider using an alternate for shopping and if that e-mail address starts getting spammed, you can delete or change it.

9. Never RSVP to Identity Thieves

Regardless of how familiar or official an e-mail looks, never respond to e-mails requesting a user name, password, account number or Social Security number. Avoid clicking on hyperlinks in e-mails too. A hyperlink in an e-mail is easy to create and can be named anything. That doesn't mean that is where the link will take you. Tricksters can make almost undetectable changes like a zero where the letter O should be and take you to unsecured pages. In the past two years alone, Consumer Reports estimates that a million customers have lost money to such scams.

10. Take a Sneak Peek at Your Accounts Regularly: Don't Let Identity Theft Sneak Up on You

That stack of mail on your desks may hold surprises that aren't birthday cards or a winning sweepstakes number. Review your hard copy statements as soon as you receive them for any suspicious charges or withdrawals. This includes medical bills and insurance claims statements as medical identity theft is on the rise.

One in four computer users have fallen victim to identity theft or some form of a cyber crime. Use these ten steps safeguard your identity, your credit and your peace of mind. Remember the slow and steady turtle that won the race? A few consistent and proactive steps can keep you ahead of the ever-sprinting identity thieves.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, about 15% of identity theft cases involve new account fraud. If at risk consumers can put a freeze on their credit, they can make it very difficult for would be identity thieves to open new accounts in using their identity. FInd out about a new law in Georgia and what it does about identity theft.

Beginning August 1st, 2008 Georgia put a law into effect that allows consumers to make a credit freeze to prevent identity theft or fraud or halt identity theft or fraud crimes. According to the Federal Trade Commission, about 15% of identity theft cases involve new account fraud. If at risk consumers can put a freeze on their credit, they can make it very difficult for would be identity thieves to open new accounts in using their identity. The law also capped the price credit reporting agencies can charge Georgia residents for this service at $3.00. The bill was first introduced by state Rep. Rob Teilhet in early 2006.

While 40 other states have some form of credit freeze laws on the books, Georgia's new law is unique in many ways. Many states offer this service but at $10.00 a pop and some are as high as $15.00 each. "It is so low-cost," said Georgia Watch spokeswoman Allison Lang.

To request the service, Georgia residents were advised to send a letter to each of the three major credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

Making a credit freeze doesn't appear to be a breeze. Consumers are asked to:

*Send $3.00 to each credit agency.

*Send each letter by certified mail.

*Include name, address, date of birth, Social Security number

* A copy of a government issued i.d. card such as a driver's license or military i.d.

* A copy of a utility bill or bank or insurance statement. This list is very specific and alternatives are not accepted.

According to the new Georgia identity theft prevention law, you may obtain a credit freeze for free:

· if you are older than 65

· or if you are a victim of identity theft and can provide a copy of a police report

Georgia's new law also offers the unique option of an online temporary "thaw" that would allow consumers to apply for on the spot credit or a permanent unfreeze that should take only 15 minutes. Consumers will be given a PIN, personal identification number that can be used online or over the phone.

"Georgia is the first state to roll out the 15-minute thaw," said Lang. Several other states are following Georgia's lead and offering a version of the thaw starting in September, 2008.

Clark Howard, radio talk show host and a board member of the consumer watchdog group Georgia Watch, has called the measure "the best credit freeze law in the United States."

Georgia Identity Theft Facts:

· Georgia has ranked 7th in the nation in the number of identity thefts were capita.

· In 2006, there were 8,084 cases of identity theft in Georgia.

· Georgia identity theft victims lost on average $1,180.00

· Georgia identity theft victims reported an average of 60 hours to repair credit.

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Central Georgia, Kelvin Collins, says the law provides big benefits for residents. "There really is no way to completely prevent identity theft, but being able to freeze your credit sure reduces the risk," he said. Collins admits that the credit freeze is easier to use for some than others. It may be cumbersome for young consumers who are shopping or a home or car but he adds, "If you're older and you've got a home and you've got a car, then it's a huge plus."

Addresses for the 3 Main credit Reporting Agencies:

Equifax Security Freeze
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348

Experian Security Freeze
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013

TransUnion Fraud Victim Assistance Department
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834

Consumers can take many security precautions to protect themselves from identity theft, but what happens when businesses, service providers and even the Federal government doesn't?

You may be doing all you can to stop identity theft on the home front but unfortunately the businesses, schools and yes, the good ole' government often put personal information out there on the front lines that puts us at risk for identity theft.

Consider these examples of identity theft exposures:

Employee Social Security Numbers Available on Internet

For over 2 weeks in June The Washington D.C. Metro agency's posted a document available on their web site with the Social Security numbers of 4,700 Metro employees. Interestingly the personal information was being used by Metro as a part of a solicitation to companies for workers' compensation and risk management.

Metro Chief Safety Officer Ronald Keele responded, "We deeply regret this incident, and believe the likelihood of misuse of the information is low."

Metro followed up by disciplining the three employees involved in the security breach. They are also providing free credit reports, counseling and identity theft insurance covering up to $25,000 for those exposed.

Veterans, Military & Reserves Socials & Birthdates on Stolen Laptop

A department analyst for The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs took a laptop home without authorization. The laptop, which was reported stolen from the employee's home, had personal information including social security numbers and birthdates for over 28 million people. The data included veterans and their spouses, actives military, reserves personnel and members of the National Guard.

Company Hands Over Employee Records to Buyer -and They Are Stolen and Used in Identity Theft

Philadelphia police arrested two suspects who were using credit cards issued to other users. Inside their car, the police found a list of 60 names, social security numbers and addresses of employees of a business that was planning to sell a portion of the business. The buyers were provided with a list of employees and their personal information as part of the negotiations. Two weeks after the arrest, the company acknowledged the theft and warned employees to protect themselves.

How Bad Can Identity Theft Be?

In 2006:

There were over 8.9 million victims.

Identity thefts resulted in an average of $6,278 stolen.

Identity thefts took an average of 40 hands on hours to resolve.

Regardless of the steps you take at home, from stopping junk mail and credit card offers, to shredding documents and using anti-spy ware, government agencies, schools, employers and businesses often have access to your personal information. Your personal information that puts you at risk for identity theft could be in the hands of an employee who carelessly posts on web sites, an employee who takes a laptop home without authorization and doesn't secure it or a prospective buyer that you know nothing about who lets your private information get stolen.

Look out for Number One (Because These People Aren't Doing It)

*Request your free credit reports from all three credit-reporting agencies annually.

*Carefully monitor your bills and statements and don't ignore discrepancies.

*Consider Identity Theft insurance, which provides not only monetary guarantees but also hands on support and help in the event of an identity theft.

See what efforts the states with the highest incidents of identity theft are taking to protect, prevent and help their residents recover from identity theft ....and find out which state leads the way.

Individuals take many preventive steps to protect their identity and reduce their risk of identity theft. Not only consumers are taking steps to protect against identity theft, but many states are taking important steps to protect their residents. Among these steps are stiffer penalties, imposing sanctions and fines on careless companies and providing their residents with many tools necessary to correct the errors that identity theft has caused, both to their credit, medical or even in some cases criminal records.

Many identity theft savvy consumers are:

*Installing anti-spy ware software of their computers.

*Using shredders to shred personal documents before disposal.

*Being protective of social security numbers on-line and in public.

*Using services to stop junk mail and risky credit card applications.

While you may be taking all the right steps to protect yourself, businesses that have access to your information aren't always looking for you. But many states are, such as Texas which is rapidly becoming a leader in consumer protection against identity theft. Texas has a growing reputation for being proactive in preventing identity theft and tough on punishing businesses who don't comply. Texas law requires vendors to take specific precautions before disposing of personal documents that may include customers' bank accounts, driver's license and Social Security numbers. In the state of Texas, you can bet companies will be thinking twice before dumping your credit application in a public trash can.

Recent Identity Theft Threats Prosecuted in Texas:

Radio Shack

Radio Shack in Portland was investigated for dumping sensitive information from thousands of customers into public trash cans. The records included names, social security numbers, debit and credit card numbers as well as addressed and telephone numbers. Among the documents were credit applications and receipts.

Under the settlement with Radio-Shack, the retailer is required to enhance security procedures and implement employee training. Radio Shack also agreed to unannounced compliance audits in all Texas stores bi-annually.

Select Medical

Select Medical was investigated after a report that over 4,000 documents were found in the garbage behind their Select Physical Therapy Location. These un-shredded records included bank account numbers, drug testing results, insurance verification sheets as well as sensitive social and vocational therapy questionnaires.

Select Medical will also be required to amend security procedures and implement training for Texas employees about the newly established state laws governing customer record disposal.

The insurance forms are of particular concern in light of the growing trend of medical identity theft, in which an individuals' insurance information is used to obtain medical services or to commit insurance fraud.

Under the settlement agreement, the state of Texas will receive nearly $1.5 million in fines, including attorney's fees. As outlined in the Identity Theft and Protection Act, the remainder will be used for the investigation and prosecution of future cases of identity theft.

Stiff penalties are just one of the steps taken to protect and prevent identity theft. The Texas Attorney General's Office has created a checklist for victims of identity theft to take steps and track their progress during recovery.

The identity theft check list includes:

*Closing all fraudulent accounts made in your name.

*Contacting the 3 major credit reporting agencies and requesting a fraud alert or security freeze for new accounts.

*Reporting identity theft crimes for local law enforcement and obtaining a copy of the police report.

*Reporting identity theft crimes to Federal Trade Commission and completing and ID Theft Affidavit.

*If victims are being harassed by creditor's they should file a consumer complaint with the Office of the Attorney General.

The Texas Attorney General's Office also offers an Identity Theft Victim's Kit.

Texas has a real motivation to prevent and protect victims of identity theft. According to 2006 state statistics on identity theft, Texas ranks fourth. States are ranked according to victims per 100,000 people, and it should be noted that Texas also has a higher population than many other states.

Top Ten States with the Most Victims of Identity Theft Per Capita

Arizona
Nevada
California
Texas
Florida
Colorado
Georgia
New York
Washington
New Mexico

No matter where you live, identity theft is a real problem. Information, advocacy, laws and prosecutions in any state will ultimately help everyone but in the mean time consumers must educate themselves and arm themselves with protection against identity theft as well as the remedies available to them. With the continued efforts of law enforcement, state and federal agencies, stiffer fines and penalties as well as requiring a higher standard of care from businesses, progress is being made on many levels in protecting consumers.